A Woman’s Place in STEM
It’s a man’s world but it’s nothing without a woman
When I was in high school, the girls who were awarded scholarships all made speeches. Each year I looked forward to hearing these 40 something speeches from women who were about to begin new lives abroad. The majority of them were going into mathematics and science fields and I could not be prouder. I listened to these speeches with zeal and newfound attention, each of them with the same message but sounding different every time. I was beyond grateful to be one of these women.
It is a new era for us
I attended an all girls’ institution in my early high school career. All my past principals and vice principals were women. Walking through those hallowed halls of past students that made history internationally, I walked with their confidence and a strong sense of who I wanted to be. Our tutors nurtured us to believe women could achieve anything. And we did. If men can have it all- the career, the house, the wife and kids, why can’t we?
Women are underrepresented in STEM fields mainly because we have fewer role models and constantly fall victim to gender stereotypes. Providing women with the same chances as men to pursue and succeed in STEM occupations contributes to the reduction of the gender pay gap, increases the financial security of women, assures a competent and diverse STEM workforce, and eliminates biases in these disciplines and the goods and services they generate.
We are pioneers
The future is female. Don’t let anyone discredit your reputation. They say we are too ambitious, too crazy, too difficult! These are your strengths. Don’t look at your fellow women colleagues as your competitors. They are your friends; empowered women, empower women. Gender is not an easy conversation and I’m met with a lot of resistance when I bring it up, especially with gender in the workplace. Sometimes, there is no space for us at the table and this is when it becomes necessary to create your own.
One step for women. One giant leap for womankind.